Representative of Lee Chi Hung Hall Students' Association 李志雄紀念堂學生會代表 Chan Jason Chun Ho 陳焌皓

The maximum intake of non-local applicants at HKU should be increased. Currently, the

maximum intake of non-local undergraduate students is, by government policy, limited to 20

%; and among them, 50% should be mainland Chinese students. Such a policy embodies a

strong sense of “self-protection”. It is understandable that Hong Kong has to guarantee a

certain number of degree places for local students so as to ensure the quality of the future

local labour force; yet such a limitation on the intake of non-local students defeats the very

purpose of university education. University education is more than textbooks and

examinations; it is more concerned with broadening students’ horizon and promoting cultural

exchange. Admitting international students means that the university would get a good mix of

students from diverse cultural background. Through everyday communication and academic

collaboration, local students can interact with international students, experiencing cultural

impact and exchange on a daily basis. They would be more receptive towards new ideas and

have better understanding of international and intercultural issues. Looking at international

intake figures of top-notch universities, we can see they place great importance on the

benefits brought by international students. Hong Kong, in comparison, is falling behind. If

HKU is to be rated among top-ranking universities, it was high time that HKU abandon its

protectionist policy and allow more international intake.



On the other hand, the requirement that at least 50% the international intake should be

mainland students calls strongly for reconsideration. Hong Kong has historically played an

important role as a breeding ground for talents in China. However, it is observed that

mainland students in HKU, due to their large number, tend to form separate social circles.

This goes against the original purpose of admitting international students. Besides, with

China’s tertiary education developing at unprecedented pace, there seems to be no good

reasons for HKU to prioritize mainland Chinese students over other non-local students.



In conclusion, in order to better achieve the purpose of university education, HKU should

increase the limit on non-local student intake. The requirement on the number of mainland

students should also be reduced in view of the actual situation in HKU and the rapid

development of China’s tertiary education.